Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU/LEH, May 10: Buddha Purnima, the birth day of Lord Buddha, the apostle of peace and non violence was celebrated today with full religious fervor and gaiety across the State today.
The grand function was held in Leh where to mark the auspicious occasion of 2561st Buddha Purnima celebration, thousands of Buddhists congregated at Historical Polo Ground with great zeal and enthusiasm. The main event of the day was religious procession known as “Bhumskor” in which people in large number carrying the sacred books went around Leh town along with the twelve Jankis (palanquin) tableau procession depicting the 12 great enlightening deeds of Buddha followed by hundreds of school children participation which commenced from Chowkhang Vihara via Namgyal Tsemo to culminate at Polo Ground where people in large number were present to grace the occasion. The historical event organized by Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) began with lighting of traditional lamp “Chotmey”.
Thuksey Rinpoche who was the chief guest congratulated the people on the occasion. He said that base of Buddhism is to develop love, compassion, understanding and not to lie which must be followed practically in day to day life. He also urged the people to make efforts to retain our rich culture and tradition and communal harmony which was appreciated by all. He also appreciated and extended his gratitude to Hill Council Chairman for introducing cycle on every Saturday to make vehicle free day to save the environment.
Scholar Dr. Lobzang Tsewang also spoke about the Buddha Jayanti celebration in detail.
Earlier, LBA president Tsewang Thinles presenting the welcome speech greeted the people on the occasion and urged people to make efforts to remove social barrier to have a harmonious society. He urged the people to follow Buddha’s teachings in day to day life and appealed to stay away from intoxicative substances, alcohol and drugs abuse so that Ladakh be taken to new development height in years to come.
To promote the Bhoti Language in the Himalayan region an easy writing competition organized by LBA Youth Wing on the eve of Ambedkar Jyanti and today the position holders student from various school were awarded with citation certificate and cash awards.
Lamdon Jamyang School Khaltsi Principal Sonam Tashi Lharjay Tia was awarded with appreciation certificate to honour him for the selfless motivation approach and outstanding contribution extended towards promoting and giving quality education to the under development children of Ladakhi student.
On the occasion students of various schools sung devotional songs praising the Lord the Buddha besides they also presented skit depicting the life history of Gautama Buddha.
In the evening all the monasteries as well as other religious places and residential buildings are illuminated to present a beautiful sight across Ladakh.
On the occasion blood donation camp was also organized by LBA youth in collaboration with Health Department.
Presenting vote of thanks LBA Youth president Rinchen Namgyal expressed his gratitude to monks, LBA members, district administration, various Tsogspas and volunteers, School children, volunteers etc for making the event successful.
LAHDC CEC Dr.Sonam Dawa, MP Thupstan Chhewang, Executive Councilors, Councilors, former CEC Rigzin Spalbar, Political heads, religious heads, district officers and other distinguish guests were present to grace the occasion.
In connection with the celebrations of Buddha Purnima a grand function was organised by Shri Guru Ravi Dass Sabha Bahu Fort, at Shri Guru Ravi Dass Temple Sheikh Nagar Bahu Fort near here in which speakers highlighted the teachings of Lord Buddha and also threw light on his life history.
Another function was organised by followers of Lord Gautam Buddha at Chhani which was headed by Haviladar Des Raj Kaith. The programme began with paying obeisance to Lord Buddha followed by singing of devotional songs.
Rich tributes were paid to Lord Buddha at a function organised by Batwal Welfare Association R S Pura at Bishnah in which rich tributes were paid to Lord Buddha by devotees and his followers.
M LA R S Pura Dr Gagan Bhagat was the chief guest on the occasion while ex MLA Bishnah Ashwani Sharma was the guest of honour.
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